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Philosophy and Ethics
Religious Studies B (OCR)
GCSE
Relationships B603
Religion and Human Relationships
You will need to have knowledge and understanding of the following
topics:
 Roles of men and women within the family
 Roles of men and women within the Christian family
 Roles of men and women within the Church family
 Marriage and marriage ceremonies
 The marriage ceremony (wedding) – what happens
 The ways in which a marriage ceremony reflects and
emphasises Christian teaching about marriage
 Christian responses to Civil Partnerships
 Divorce
 Christian beliefs about the ethics of divorce
 Christian beliefs about the ethics of re-marriage (getting
married to another partner after a divorce)
 Sexual relationships and contraception
 Christian beliefs about sexual relationships
 Christian beliefs about contraception.
Remember
“Beliefs” - this is what Christians believe about their religions based on
the teachings in the Bible and/or from the Church; for instance, ideas
about God and Jesus; the events of the creation or crucifixion, etc.
“Teachings” - refers to rules/quotes/sayings from the Bible (such as “do
not murder” or “love thy neighbour”) or it could refer to what the
different Churches teach.
“Attitudes” - are the ways in which a believer interprets those beliefs and
teachings. Note this is a trigger word for you to realise that some
Christians believe one thing and other Christians believe another.
For example, some Christians think that divorce is wrong because...... On
the other hand, others believe that divorce is the lesser of two evils
because …
“Support” – this means you cannot just make a statement and leave it
there. You need to explain why that statement is being used. “Christians
think marriage is important to God” “because God is present at the
ceremony and blesses the couple as he did to Adam and Eve”.
“Respond” – this word is asking you to think about what Christians
would do when faced with a particular situation.
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The Exam Paper
Each Module paper will be divided into three sections. Module B603
(Ethics 1) will contain questions on: Religion and human relations;
Religion and Medical Ethics; and Religion, Poverty and Wealth. Religion
and Human Relationships is the topic covered in this book.
In the Exam you will have to choose TWO questions out of the three
topics. You need to answer the Christianity questions. In each section
on the exam paper, you will find that there are six questions – from six
different religious viewpoints. Ignore the religions you have not studied.
The Christianity question comes after the Buddhism question.
Each question is in five parts.
All the questions are in the following form:
(a) 1 mark for knowledge
(b) 2 marks for knowledge,
(c) 3 marks for knowledge,
(d) 6 marks for understanding, and
(e) 12 marks for evaluation.
Total: 24 marks.
Remember! You have to do a complete question — this means you must
attempt to answer all the parts (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) from the same
question. Do not mix up the religions or the topics.
The Part (a) Questions
These are questions which are testing your knowledge, for example, ‘What
is meant by the word divorce?’ Answer: “This is when a marriage is
legally broken up”.
The Part (b) Questions
These questions are again testing your knowledge but your answer will
need to contain more information than the part (a) questions. For
example: “Give two examples why Christians believe marriage to be
important”. Answer: “Christians believe marriage to be important
because they see it as a sacrament – an outward sign of an inner grace
and also because God created Adam and Eve to be one flesh”.
The Part (c) Questions
These may ask for three pieces of information or ask for a description. If
you are asked to describe – do not just put a list of points but elaborate on
them. For instant, if you were asked to answer the question: “Describe
Christian beliefs about divorce” – you must not just say: “they believe it is
bad; it is a sin; and it is doing wrong”. You would need to say:
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“Christians believe that divorce is wrong because Jesus taught that noone should break up a marriage “let no man separate” and these words
are used in the marriage ceremony. Some Christians believe that divorce
can happen if it is a last resort if, for instance, there was abuse in the
marriage. Catholics do not believe in a religious divorce because they see
marriage is a sacrament”.
So – since you will be asked what words mean make sure you have learnt
all the words in the Dictionary.
The Part (d) Questions
These questions are asking you to show your understanding – you will
need to show “how” and “why” things happen because of Christian beliefs
or teachings. These questions will probably begin with the word
“explain”. So, remember to use the word “because” in your answer. For
example:
(d) “Explain how a Christian wedding reflects their beliefs about
marriage”. [6 marks]
“Christians believe that marriage is a sacrament (a holy event) and
therefore it is very important. The wedding shows this because the priest
is God’s representative and he blesses the couple. Christians believe that
marriage is for life because Jesus taught that divorce was wrong and
because in the wedding the couple say vows to God and each other that
they will be married “until death us do part”. The exchanging of rings
also reflects the belief that marriage is for life because the ring is a circle
and symbolises that there is no beginning or end of their love. The
confetti which is thrown at the end of the ceremony reflects the belief that
one of the purposes of marriage is to have children because this is what
God commanded Adam and Eve to do.”
The Part (e) Questions
These questions are asking you to present an argument and to evaluate.
You will need to show differing points of view and you must support them
with examples. So if you say “Christians say the use of contraception is
wrong” – you need to say why it is wrong and given an example. You
MUST refer to a Christian point of view somewhere in your answer
otherwise you will not achieve full marks and also you MUST give your
own viewpoint otherwise again you will not achieve full marks. For
instance:
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(e) “Contraception should not be used”. Discuss this statement. You
should include different, supported points of view and a personal
viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Evaluation formula:
 Some people might agree because …
 Other people might disagree because …
 However some Christians might say … because …
 Yet other Christians might argue … because …
 BUT I think … because
 So in conclusion …
 Some people might agree contraception should not be used because
they feel that since the pill was introduced in the 1960’s it has made
people more likely to have casual sex and casual sex is wrong
because it leads to the transmitting of sexual diseases..
 Other people might disagree that contraception is wrong because the
world is worried about overpopulation and poverty and therefore
every child needs to be planned. Often children who are unwanted
get treated very badly; for instance in China they are supposed to
only have one child and they all want boys. Sometimes when a girl
is born it will be killed.
 However Catholics would agree with the statement because they
believe that one of the purposes of marriage is to have children and
fulfil God’s command to “go forth and multiply”. Also some
Catholics believe that sex should only be used to have children so
therefore it would be wrong to use contraception.
 Other Christians might argue that the use of contraception is a good
thing if both partners agree because it allows children to be planned.
They might be against abortion and therefore careful family planning
will stop the necessity of abortion of unwanted babies.
 I think that contraception is wrong because although the Bible does
not teach about contraception the Old Testament says that God killed
Onan because he spilt his seed on the ground and did not use sex in
order to ensure there was a baby. Marriage is all about family and
having babies and therefore contraception should not be used.
 In conclusion it seems as though there are many differing attitudes to
the use of contraception and obviously it should be up to the
individual to have a free choice whether or not to use it. However,
since contraception has become more freely available it has not
prevented the rise in birth rate so maybe that is a point to consider.
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Traditional roles in a Christian
family
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Some Christians interpret Genesis as
evidence that men are superior to
women.
In Genesis God fashions woman out of
the rib of Adam to be his helper.
Some Christians look to the Bible for
evidence that the man is meant to be
the head of the family.
The Church of England still allows the
option in the vows for the woman to
‘love, honour and obey’ her husband.
Some Christians look to Mary, Jesus’
mother, as a role model for obedience.
St Paul also gave his advice to the
Early Church that women should obey
their husbands.
A Christian wedding ceremony
Marriage is both a civil and a religious commitment for
Christians. Each part of the marriage ceremony has
meaning which is closely linked to Christian teaching about
marriage. The Church of England ceremony is very simple:
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Modern interpretation of the family
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Most modern Christians do not believe
that men are superior to women.
They point to the creation story where
it says:
“So God created mankind in his own
image, in the image of God he created
them; male and female he created
them.”
Genesis 1:27

St Paul also says that:
“There is neither...male or female ...for
you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28
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Most Christians believe in an equal
relationship between men and women.
Christianity and re-marriage
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Christians such as Roman Catholics, do not accept
re-marriage after a civil divorce.
They believe that marriage cannot be dissolved
(see above c.f. annulment).
Any re-marriage would be the same as adultery.
The Church of England allows divorced couples to
re-marry but leaves it to the discretion of the priest
as some vicars do not believe it is right.

Beginning of the service: welcoming of the congregation
and a statement of what Christians marriage means by
the priest.
Declarations: the couple make their promises in front of
God that they will love, comfort, honour and protect
their partner as long as they both shall live.
Vows: The couple make their vows to each other.
Rings: The couple exchange rings. The ring is symbol of
unending love. Christian marriage is meant to be for life.
Proclamation: The priest tells the couple that they are
now husband and wife. The priest says, “What therefore
God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Prayers: Prayers are said for the couple. They may
include a prayer for the gift of children.
Readings and sermon: There will be readings from the
Bible and a sermon. The sermon will often talk about the
importance of love in marriage.
Signing of the register: The bride and groom, along with
two witnesses, sign the register, which is a legal
requirement. They receive a legally binding marriage
certificate.
Catholic teaching about marriage
The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is:
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A living sacrament – an outward sign of the love of God.
Exclusive – it is just between a husband and wife.
Permanent – the couple cannot be separated.
Life giving – open to the possibility of children.
Traditional roles within the church
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Many Christians think of the members of their religion as one big family.
St Paul taught that women should be silent in church.
Some Christians argue that because Jesus chose 12 men as disciples, only
men should be leaders within the church.
Roman Catholics argue that Jesus chose St Peter to be the head of the
church. Peter became the first bishop of Rome. Catholics believe the
pope (Benedict XVI) is the successor of St Peter.
Orthodox and Roman Catholics do not permit women priests.
The Church of England ordained its first women priests in 1994.
Both Baptists and Methodists allow women to become ordained as
ministers.
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Divorce
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Divorce and the Roman Catholic Church
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The Catholic Church does not allow
divorce.
However, it permits a couple to separate
and live apart.
In exceptional cases the Church may
grant an annulment i.e. proven the
marriage was not valid in the first
place.
The marriage can be annulled if it can
be proven that the couple were underaged, forced to marry, of diminished
responsibility or not consummated.
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Divorce and the Church of England
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Sexual relationships
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Christians believe sex is a gift from God.
They believe it is an expression of love between
a husband and wife.
They belief casual sexual encounters are wrong.
One on the Ten Commandments forbids
‘adultery’.
Jesus called his disciples to purity; ‘anyone who
looks at a woman lustfully has already
committed adultery with her in his heart.’
Matthew 5:28
Many Roman Catholics and Evangelical
Protestants believe that a person should remain a
virgin until they are married.
Some Christians in America wear rings to show
their commitment to abstain from sex before
marriage.
Quakers are non-judgemental about sex, which
they see as a gift of God. Their attention is
focused on the way in which it is used in human
relationships.
Christian couples enter marriage with
the expectation that it will last “till
death us do part”.
Jesus taught that marriage is for life.
There is, however, debate within
Christianity about whether married
couples should be allowed to divorce
and marry again.
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Divorce is permitted in the Anglican Church
because Jesus taught that the right course of
action is the most loving thing to do.
Some point out that Jesus did permit divorce on
the grounds of unfaithfulness.
The Orthodox Church grants religious divorce.
Same-sex relationships
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There are many places in both the Old and New Testament which
condemn homosexuality:
"Homosexual acts are an abomination to God."
Leviticus 18:22
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their
women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In
the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with
women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men
committed shameful acts with other men, and received in
themselves the due penalty for their error.
Romans 1:26-27
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Many Christian churches condemn same-sex relationships.
Some Christians like the Quakers are less judgemental about
homosexuality and actually allow homosexual couples to get
married in their meeting rooms.
Own point of view and different points of views
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In order to get full marks on the last 12 mark question it is necessary to give another point of view, your own
point of view as well as references to Christianity in your answer.
Students should be aware of the wide spectrum of beliefs and practices within the Christian church especially
on the role of women, homosexuality, divorce, pre-marital sex and contraception e.g. think of the differences
found in the Catholic Church and the Quakers.
References can be made to beliefs and practices found in other religious traditions e.g. the role of women in
Islam. "The sins of the people of Lut (Sodom and Gomorrah)" is synonymous with homosexuality in the
Qur'an. Some Muslim lawyers have argued that it is a crime which should be punished by death.
Hinduism teaches that marriage is an important duty; choosing to stay single (celibate) is not encouraged. A
marriage does not just join together a man and a woman, but two extended families. Because of this,
arranged marriages have been common in Hinduism with parents introducing people to each other.
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DICTIONARY
The starred words here are found in the OCR specification and so can
appear as part of an exam question. A few more have been added but it is
important you learn most of them in order to impress the examiners
This is when a married person has sex with
someone they are not married to.
Catholics are against divorce. But if one of the
ANNULMENT
couple did not enter the marriage for the right
reasons, or were forced, then they can get special
permission from the Pope to say the wedding did
not take place.
Someone is celibate when they do not have
CELIBACY
sexual relationship with the person they love.
This word can either refer to the building in
CHURCH*
which Christians worship or it can refer to the
people who worship in that building (the Church
family) or it could refer to the leaders of the faith
who help with moral problems and
interpretations of the Bible.
This is when a same-sex couple with have a
CIVIL
legal ceremony to ensure that they have equal
PARTNERSHIP*
rights in law. It is NOT a religious ceremony.
CONTRACEPTION* This refers to the ways in which people try to
stop having a baby when they have sex. For
example: using condoms.
This is when people take legal action to break up
DIVORCE*
the marriage.
ADULTERY
FORNICATION
This word refers to the sexual act carried out by
a couple who are not married to each other.
HOMOSEXUALITY
This is the term given to same-sex couples –
people of the same sex who have a sexual
attraction for each other.
This is when a couple are joined together legally
in a special service (and in the eyes of God)
This is when a couple who has divorced will
have another ceremony to marry another partner
or sometimes they get married to the same
partner again.
MARRIAGE*
RE-MARRIAGE*
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ROLES*
SACRAMENT
SEXUAL
RELATIONSHIPS*
MARRIAGE
(WEDDING)
CEREMONY*
VOWS
This word refers to the jobs or responsibilities
which someone has to do. So, for instance, the
roles of men in the family could be the “bread
winner” (going out to work and bring in the
money) and to be leader of the house.
Catholics believe the marriage service to be a
sacrament – this means it is an outward sign of
an inner grace. God is present and is witness to
the vows so they must not be broken.
The term “sexual relationships” refers to the
Christian belief that sex is a gift from God and
should be used wisely and therefore sex should
only really be done when a couple have married
each other.
This is the name of the service which joins the
couple in marriage or holy matrimony.
These are the special promises which a couple
makes in the wedding service in front of God
and witnesses.
To love & to
cherish; for richer
or poorer; for
better or worse; in
sickness or health;
till death us do
part.
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Religion and Human Relationships
Roles of Men & Women in the family
The Traditional view
 Men should be the ones who go to work to provide for family; while the
wife stays at home to look after children. This is because men were
considered be more important. Adam was created first and Eve was
made as his helper.
 Also when the Bible was written women were considered as the “home
makers”.
 St. Paul taught wives should obey their husbands.
A more modern view:
 Men and women have different roles (it does not matter which one goes
out to work) because they are equally important because they are both
made in the image of God.
 Jesus treated women the same as men (the story of Martha & Mary shows
that Jesus was prepared to “teach” women.
Roles of Men & Women in the Church
There are different attitudes within the different Churches/denominations:
Catholics believe that women should not be Priests:
 the twelve Apostles of Jesus were men
 the priest at Mass takes on the role of Christ blessing the bread and wine
and because Christ was a man a woman cannot take on this role
 Eve was the first to sin thus showing that women are weaker than men
 St. Paul said that women should be silent in church
However although they do not accept that women should take a teaching or
leadership role within the church, they still believe women can do other
things in the church. Catholics also believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus,
played a very important role and often pray to her (Hail Mary, full of Grace)
Protestants believe women should have the same role as men in the church:
 Jesus had women followers
 At his resurrection Jesus appeared first to women (Mary Magdalene)
 In his letters to the early Church, St. Paul praised Priscilla for her work in
the church
 In his letter to the Galatians St. Paul said that everyone was equal in the
eyes of God.
Although the Church of England now allows the ordination (making of)
women as priests/vicars, they are still divided on whether women should be
Bishops. Some Church of England vicars have left the church because there
are now women vicars.
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Importance of Marriage
Christians believe that marriage should be taken seriously and be a
commitment for life. So:
 They believe marriage should be monogamous (monogamy = one
partner) and that the partners should be faithful (no adultery).
Marriage is important because:
 God blessed (married) Adam and Eve before he told them to go and have
children
 Marriage is the uniting of a couple as ‘one flesh’; this is the reason why
God created Eve for Adam as a companion and for them to be together as
a new family unit
 Marriage symbolises the relationship between Christ and Church
 Jesus showed that marriage was important when he said that no-one
should come between a husband and wife “let no man separate”
 Jesus showed weddings to be important when he turned the water into
wine at the wedding in Cana (his first miracle)
Purpose/Reasons of Marriage
First – to have children and bring them up to love God – this stresses the
importance of the family.
Second – to stop people sleeping around/casual sex (being immoral). St. Paul
taught that if you could not contain your lust you should get married.
Third – so that people can love and look after each other (mutual comfort – ‘one
flesh’). Eve was created because Adam was lonely.
Also – for God to bless the couple
Wedding Ceremony
 It is held in church (God’s house) so that God can witness the special
promises/the vows which are:
 to be faithful,
 follow God’s wishes about marriage,
 & to love each other forever.
These are seen as guidelines for the marriage.
 The Bride is “given away” by father to show she is starting a new family unit
 The vicar asks for the consent of the couple and also of the congregation (is
there any lawful reason this couple should not be married)
 The ring is a symbol of eternal love – a circle has no beginning or end
 The bride wears a white dress to show she has not had sex before marriage
 Sometimes a Mass or Eucharist is held at the end of the service to show that
this ceremony is a SACRAMENT (a ceremony where God has been present
to make it holy)
 Confetti is thrown to symbolise fertility (have lots of children – God’s
command to Adam and also one of the purposes of marriage.
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Christian responses to Civil Partnerships
A Civil partnership is the name given to the ceremony which allows same
sex couples to be married “in the eyes of the law”. The ceremony has no
religious significance.
Catholics are against civil partnerships because
 They believe homosexual activity is wrong because it is condemned in
the Bible: “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is
detestable” (Leviticus 18:22)
 They believe that the act of homosexuality is about masturbation which is
wrong (the sin of Onan – see notes on contraception).
 The Old Testament says that if people commit the sin of homosexuality
they should be put to death.
 St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians said that a homosexual would not
go to heaven.
 Catholics also believe that civil partnerships are making a mockery of
marriage – God created Adam ad Eve to be “one flesh”.
Some Christians might agree with civil partnerships because:
 God creates everyone (in his image) and therefore he must have created
homosexuals – it is the way they are born (genes). Therefore Christians
should not condemn them.
 Some believe that the couple can love each other but should be celibate
(not carry out the sexual act of homosexuality).
 The Quakers will allow homosexual couples in their church
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Christian beliefs on Sexual Relationships
Christians believe that:
 There should be no sex before marriage because St. Paul taught the body
is a Temple for the soul – the ‘breath of God’ (Genesis 2:6 )and by
indulging in casual sex you are damaging your body (and your mind)
 They believe fornication (the sexual act between unmarried people) is
very wrong.
 Although some Christians think it is all right just to live together if it is a
permanent commitment
 They also believe that God ‘married’ Adam and Eve – he ‘blessed them’
before he told them to multiply so sex before marriage is wrong.
 Sex within marriage is for unitive (uniting the couple as one flesh) and
also a healing process (making up after a row!)
 It is also for the purpose of creating children within a stable relationship.
 Some Catholics believe that God made sex for married love and it should
only happen to make children.
 Adultery is wrong because it breaks the 7th Commandment “Do not
commit adultery”
 Lust is one of the 7 deadly sins and people should restrain themselves. M
So St. Paul said if you cannot restrain your lustful thoughts you should get
married – this is one of the purposes of marriage.
Contraception
Catholics are against artificial contraception because:
 The Pope, the spiritual leader of the Catholics says it is a sin
 God told Adam and Eve to have children “Go forth and multiply”
 It is one of the purposes of marriage to have children & bring them up as
Christians
 The Bible teaches about the sin of Onan – who was meant to have sex in
order to have children but allowed his “seed to spill on the ground”. God
was cross about this and so killed him.
 It is up to God whether you have a child or not so interfering with God’s
plan would be wrong – a baby is a gift from God
 However Catholics will allow Natural contraception such as the Rhythm
Method
Other Christians say contraception can be used if both parties agree in
order to stop poverty through too many people in the world – a child should
be wanted. But although contraception can prevent STD’s they also believe
the use of contraception can encourage casual sex and so is wrong.
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THE ETHICS OF DIVORCE
Christian beliefs why divorce is wrong
 The Old Testament says that “God hates divorce”
 Jesus taught that no-one should break up a marriage: “let no man separate”
 God blesses the marriage and the vows/promises were made in front of
God and should be kept no matter what the circumstances: To love & to
cherish; for richer or poorer; for better or worse; in sickness or health; till
death us do part.
 St. Paul taught “a man must not divorce his wife”
 The Bible teaches that God intended people to be married “one flesh” and
because he blessed/married Adam & Eve
Catholics are against divorce because
 Marriage is a sacrament – it is a sacred act blessed by God and only
God can undo it.
 If the couple want to they can live apart but if they start to have a
sexual relationship with someone else they are breaking their marriage
vows and some Catholic Priests will not allow them to take Mass.
 They do accept an annulment which is the religious ending of the
marriage – saying that the marriage never happened. The Pope has to
agree for this to happen and it can only happen if:
 one of the partners did not understand what was happening
 one of the partners cannot fulfil the duties of marriage
 if the marriage was not consummated (the couple has not had sex).
This is because Catholics believe the marriage is not a proper
marriage until sex has taken place – the couple has become “one
flesh”.
 To get an annulment the couple have to have a civil divorce.
Christian beliefs that allow divorce:
 The Old Testament teaches that a man can divorce his wife if she commits
adultery
 Jesus said that because it says this in the Old Testament divorce was allowed
for adultery. However he also you would be committing adultery if you
married someone else whilst your partner was still alive.
 Some Churches allow it if marriage is completely broken down (abuse etc.) –
they see divorce as a necessary evil and an act of agape (Christian love).
However divorce should be a matter of a last resort – the couple should
have gone to their vicar for help and to counselling (such as RELATE).
Couples should also pray and remember their vows at the wedding.
Couples could also renew their vows and ask for God’s help because he is
there are the wedding.
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Remarriage in a Church – blessed by God
Reasons for remarriage in a
Reasons against remarriage in a
Church
Church
 Everyone makes mistakes and
 Marriage is seen as a sacrament
Jesus taught that Christians
– a special holy union and so it
should forgive; also God
should be up to God to break
forgives: the parable of the Lost
up the marriage by death – not
Son/Lost Sheep
for the couple to change their
mind and want to marry
 The couple will work harder at
someone else.
the marriage this time
 Jesus was against divorce “let
 Maybe the divorce was not the
no man separate” so therefore
fault of one of the partners – e.g.
it shouldn’t happen
abuse so the wronged partner is
allowed happiness
 Jesus taught that if you marry
someone else while your first
partner is alive this is adultery
(7th commandment)
 The promises were made in
front of God and therefore it is
an insult to break them and
make them with someone else
 Christians should work at a
marriage – they should
remember their vows.
Christian views on the family
Importance of the family
 Christians believe the family to be important because God created
Adam & Eve to be a family unit.
 They also see everyone in the world as a family because God
created everyone. Jesus died for everyone on the cross.
Vocation
Sometimes Christians believe they should put God first and so don’t
have a family life – they spend their time worshipping God. They can
be: Monks or Nuns. Catholic Priests do not marry so that they can
devote their lives to their parishioners
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ACTIVITY: Roles of Men and Women in the family
Explain the traditional views of what men should do and what women
should do in the Christian family. This is an “Explain” exercise – so you
must say why – you must use a ‘because’. Help is on the next page which
shows various teachings:
The more modern views are:
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The Role of Men and Women in the family and in the Church –
teachings
God created man and woman in his image
(Genesis 1: 28).
Cod created eve to be a companion for
Adam because he was lonely (Genesis 2).
When Adam and Eve were thrown out
of the Garden of Eden their
punishment was for Adam to have to
work hard and for Eve to suffer in
child birth and to have to “obey” her
husband.
Catholics believe that only men
can be priests because they
represent Christ at the Mass and
since Christ was a man only a man
can do this work.
St. Paul taught that women should be
silent in church and should obey their
husbands.
He also taught that male and female
were equal in the eyes of God and that
men should love their wives.
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ACTIVITY: Roles of Men and Women in the Church family.
The Christian Churches are divided over whether women should be
allowed to lead in church services (be vicars or priests). Using the
pictures below state in the speech bubbles why women should or should
not be priests.
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ACTIVITY - Purposes of marriage
Link the following purposes of marriage to a picture and also to the
relevant Christian teachings
Mutual Comfort
To have children and
bring them up as
Christians to love God.
To be blessed by
God and fulfil his
wishes
To avoid casual sex
Go forth and
multiply
God created Adam and Eve
“For this reason … they will
become one flesh”
St. Paul taught that if you
could not contain your lust
you should get married.
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Eve was
created
because
Adam was
lonely.
ACTIVITY: The Wedding Ceremony
Label the symbols in the picture below and explain what they mean.
I promise to …..
The white dress =
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ACTIVITY: How the marriage service (the wedding) reflects the
importance of Christians views and beliefs on marriage.
The Vicar starts by saying:
‘We have come together in the presence of God, to witness the
marriage of …. and ….., to ask his blessing on them, and to share in
their joy. Our Lord Jesus Christ was himself a guest at a wedding in
Cana of Galilee, and through his Spirit he is with us now.
The Bible teaches us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a
means of his grace, a holy mystery in which man and woman become
one flesh. It is God’s purpose that, as husband and wife give
themselves to each other in love throughout their lives, they shall be
united in that love as Christ is united with his Church.
Marriage is given, that husband and wife may comfort and help each
other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in
joy. It is given, that with delight and tenderness they may know each
other in love, and, through the joy of their bodily union, may
strengthen the union of their hearts and lives. It is given as the
foundation of family life in which children may be born and nurtured
in accordance with God’s will, to his praise and glory.
In marriage husband and wife belong to one another, and they begin a
new life together in the community. It is a way of life that all should
honour; and it must not be undertaken carelessly, lightly, or selfishly,
but reverently, responsibly, and after serious thought.’ Wedding
service
Highlight as many Christian teachings/beliefs as you can find in the above speech
about why marriage is important and what a Christian couple should do within their
marriage.
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ACTIVITY: The importance of marriage continued….
Catholics believe marriage to be important because they see it as a
sacrament – explain what this means:
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………
Jesus showed that he believed marriage to be important
when he said:
……………………………………………………………
And when he ………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………
God showed the importance of marriage when he created
Adam and Eve to be:
……………………………………………………………
The Vicar who is
………………………………………………………..
Shows that marriage is important when he
……………………………………………………………………………
And says
…………………………………………………
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ACTIVITY: The importance of the Vows
In the bubbles below – explain the importance of the vows and try to link
to Bible teachings.
“To follow God’s
wishes for
marriage” –
which are…
“I promise to be faithful –
forsaking all others”
Christians think this is an
important promise because
committing adultery is
breaking the 7th
Commandment.
“Till death us do
part”
l
“For better or worse,
in sickness and health
…”
The vows are important
because (give 2 reasons)
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ACTIVITY: Christian views on Civil Partnerships
What is a Civil Partnership?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
What is the sin of Onan?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
Why might some Christians agree with a Civil Partnership?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
What is celibacy and why should you know this about civil partnerships?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
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ACTIVITY: The Ethics of Divorce
What does the Bible teach about divorce? Give three teachings.
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
What do Catholics believe about divorce? Give as much detail as possible
showing that you understand what annulment is.
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
Why do some Christians allow divorce?
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
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ACTIVITY:
Remarriage
Catholics are against divorce so they will not
allow people who have got a social (legal)
divorce to marry someone else. Other Churches
will allow people who are divorced to get married
to someone else in a Church. Other Churches
will only allow them a “blessing service”, which
means that the couples gets married in a civil
ceremony (in a Registry office) and then go to
Church to be blessed by the Vicar.
In the chart below give reasons which some Churches will allow couples
to be married to someone else after a divorce and why some Churches
believe it is wrong.
Reasons why marrying someone
else in Church after divorce is
wrong.
Reasons why marrying someone
else in Church after divorce is
considered to be all right.
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ACTIVITY: Christian attitudes towards sex.
Explain Christian views/beliefs on sexual relationships.
Remember there are different points of view.
 Sex before marriage and fornication
 Sex within marriage
 Adultery
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ACTIVITY: Contraception
Explain Christian attitudes towards contraception? The keyword
‘attitudes’ means different views – so why would some Christians be
for contraception (remember to use specific teachings) and why would
some Christians be against? Below are some pictures to give you
clues:
For
Against
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Exam Practice
(a)
What is meant by divorce? [1 mark]
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
(b) Name two reasons why Christians would not allow a couple who had
divorced to get re-married in a church. [2 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
(c) Describe the reasons why Christians get married. [3 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
(d) Explain Christian attitudes about Civil Partnerships. [6 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
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……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
(e) “Marriage is not important today because people do not need a piece
of paper to show they love each other.” Discuss this statement. You
should include different, supported points of view and a personal
viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12 marks]
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
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Across
3. This symbolises the relationship between Christ and the Church
5. Christians get married here to have God's blessing
8. The bride will wear this colour to symbolise she has not had sex before
marriage
10. The body is a ... for the Holy Spirit and so casual sex is wrong
11. These are a symbol for eternal love
Down
1. Some Christians believe this is wrong because God told Adam and Eve
to multiply
2. Christians should only let this break up the marriage
4. Catholics have this when the Pope says the marriage has not taken place
6. These are the special promises made
7. Christians believe this is wrong because it is against the 7th
Commandment
9. Christians believe that one of the purposes of marriage is for mutual ...
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Revision Quilt
Do this with a friend and see how many links you can make.
It does not matter which direction you go in but you chose a word, and
then chose one of the words which links up to it and then you have to
explain the link. If you are very clever you could link up more than two
words!
Marriage
Contraception
Temple
Sin
Adam and Eve
Let no man
separate
Rings
White dress
One Flesh
Annulment
Vows
Stole
Children
Go forth and
multiply
Faithful
Adultery
Confetti
Priest/Vicar
Mutual Comfort Casual Sex
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